Choosing a well designed boot with the right fit is the greatest challenge in reviewing your boot choices. Don't let the rugged appearance of the boot, the salesman's recommendation, or even the brand name steer you to a boot that won't work for you foot. After you have reviewed your choices and "tested" each boot design for sole and ankle rigidity (see the points outlined above), ask the salesman to bring you a pair.

The Finger Test
This is where you'll perform your first "test". With the boot fully unlaced, move your foot as far forward in the boot as possible. If the boot is the proper size for your feet, you should be able to slip your index finger down inside the boot at the back of the ankle. Your finger is just about the right size for determining if that all important extra space is available in the front. The extra space is needed when backpacking downhill, when your foot has a tendency to slide forward in the boot under load.

The Sensory Test
Next, take off your socks and slip your bare foot into the boot. Using all your sensory powers, try to determine if any part of the boot feels tight. This is especially important in the area where the small toes are located. Some boots may be designed in such a way that your small toes will feel "pinched" or "jammed". This can be very difficult to feel through two pairs of socks. The bare foot test will bring all this to light. Does the boot feel too narrow on the sides in the area just behind your toes (the "ball" of the foot)? Is it too tight in the middle part of your foot on either side of the arch? If so, look for another boot. The "bare foot" test will quickly eliminate any boots that are clearly not designed for your foot.

Now perform the same sensory tests with your socks on. Make sure your socks are stretched smoothly over your foot, not loose, which can cause the sock to fold over when you slide your foot into the boot. The boot should not feel tight in any area. Inversely, it shouldn't feet loose in any area either. It should fit comfortably "snug". If any part of your foot feels "jammed", try a lighter, medium-weight sock on the outside. (Using different thicknesses of socks can always be used as an option for making size/fit adjustments.) If the foot still feels jammed (or inversely, loose), look for another boot.

Women should pay close attention to comfort in the width of the boot. Some women may be used to tight-fitting street shoes. If a tight-fitting pair of hiking boots are purchased, this can lead to problems later on. Wide feet wedged into tight boots can eventually cause the boot leather or fabric to relax and stretch, allowing the foot to extend beyond the sole of the boot. This can lead to increased stress on the body as the hiker works to maintain balance on a shoe platform that is too small for the foot. In more severe cases, the edge of the sole can dig into the bottom of the foot through the boot leather/fabric, leading to foot bruises and blisters. The "paper doll" test mentioned further on is highly recommended.

Women who have very wide feet might want to consider a men's boot. As a guide, a women's "D" width is generally a men's "C" width. Be sure to play close attention to the heel area of the boot if you decide to try men's boots, because women have narrower heels.

The Stride Test
Walk around in the boots. Do they feel good? Does the boot "break" (or crease) across the top of the toes comfortably when you stride forward? If the top of the boot feels like it's jamming the back of your toes when you stride forward, then look for another pair. What about the heel? If you feel your heel sliding noticeably in the heel area, you probably have a boot that's a little too large, or one that's not going to work for you. New, rigid boots will always cause your heel to slide a little (and I emphasize, a little) when they're new, due to the newness and stiffness of the sole. If you think the sliding is due to a boot that's too large, go 1/2-size smaller, ensuring that the smaller size passes the "finger test".

The Slant Board Test
If everything still feels okay, ask the salesman if they have an "slant board" where you can test how they feel on an incline. Walk down the incline. If your foot jams into the front of the boot and your toes feels pinched, look for another pair. If your toes touch the end of the boot, ask the salesman for the next half-size larger.

If you've managed to locate a pair that meets all the criteria above, there's a good chance that you've found a reasonably good fit for your foot. If you haven't, keep trying on different brands until you find a pair that "makes the grade" so to speak. If none of the boots available meet the criteria, visit another outdoor shop. Boots can be expensive. Take the time to choose wisely. Your bank account and feet depend on it.

At Home -

The "Paper Doll" Test
Once you have your boots home, slip on the socks you intend to wear while you're hiking. Then, place a blank sheet of paper under your foot, and carefully trace an outline of your foot with a pencil. Using scissors, cut the foot outline from the paper. Then, very gently, slide your "foot cut-out" into the boot. Press the paper flat onto the bottom of the boot, working the paper into all corners of the boot, just as you would press pizza dough into the corner of a cookie sheet. Then, remove the cut-out. Any spot where the paper is folded up (i.e. not flat) is a spot where the boot is tight. Now remember, some snugness is okay, but if you have spots where the paper is folded up 1/2", you may well have some problems later on down the trail.

The Long Walk Test
Next, wear them around and see how they feel. I would recommend that you perform a "long walk" inside your home, or even better, inside a local shopping mall to see how they feel after a little distance. Wearing them while lounging at home will not give them the proper test. Put a little "indoor distance" on the boot. If they still feel good, you've found a reasonably good boot for your foot. If they don't feel good, resist the temptation to keep them - take them back and keep looking.

On the Trail -

Break-in
Assuming that you've found your "golden slipper", the final step is breaking in your boots before you take them out on the trail. With the evolution of fabric Gore-tex boots, this is not as great a factor as it used to be, but should still be performed. All-leather boots will definately require some break-in time prior to backpacking. Wear your boots on progressively longer hikes until you're certain you can do some comfortable distance with the added weight of a backpack.

Being Prepared for Problems
Finally, even the best fitting boots can still cause you problems. Small spots may rub, or tender feet may require some toughening. Be sure to take along some "moleskin" on your hikes and backpacking trips. Moleskin, and other similarly designed abrasion padding with adhesive on one side, and a felt-like padding on the other, will minimize the possibility that blisters are raised. (It will minimize, not eliminate the possibility.) Medical adhesive tape, with a smooth, slick covering on the outside can also be used. Spenco "second skin" is also an outstanding option for providing relief for boot "hot spots". My Podiatrist recommends another approach - rub Petroleum Jelly on areas where you are known to get foot blisters (using your new boots as a guide). While some might hesistate at this approach with the thought that it will gunk up your socks, standard laundry detergent will generally wash the Petroleum Jelly from the sock effectively. (However, I do NOT recommend that you slather your entire foot with petroleum jelly.) And finally, remember that sometimes it's your foot that needs conditioning, not the boot. Regular hiking and backpacking will help toughen your feet until they are prepared for the abuse you'll give them on the trail.